MARKHAM, ON, May 9, 2013 /CNW/ - ALS Canada is amplifying its efforts to find a cure and offer the best support for Canadians with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Six new board members, with a breadth of experience in finance, education and research, will guide the organization in minimizing the hardships caused by ALS.
"Our organization continues to grow and make positive changes for people living with the devastating disease," said Lanny McInnes, Chair, ALS Canada. "Canadians affected by ALS face significant burdens physically, emotionally and financially. We welcome our new board members in our fight to ease these burdens."
ALS is a rapidly degenerative disease with no cure and limited treatment options. It is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS Canada is the only non-profit dedicated solely to fight ALS and strives to improve the quality of life for people with the disease.
About the new board members
Josette Melanson
Josette Melanson is the VP Finance, Planning and Analysis for Sun Life Financial. Before joining Sun Life Financial, Melanson held various positions at multinational pharmaceutical companies. She brings extensive pharmaceutical industry experience and in-depth knowledge of finance governance, planning and analysis, as well as system deployment.
Dyana McLellan
Dyana McLellan is Counsel to the National Managing Partner of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. She has ten years of experience in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance matters. McLellan lost her father to ALS in 2004 and has since become an avid supporter of the ALS community.
Jane Williamson
Jane Williamson is a Chartered Professional Accountant and is a Senior Director, Inspections with the Canadian Public Accountability Board. Williamson's experience and expertise in finance will provide strong guidance to ALS Canada.
Dr. Lorne Zinman, MS, MD, FRCPC, M.Sc.
Dr. Lorne Zinman is the Medical Director of the ALS/Neuromuscular Clinic at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. His team at the Sunnybrook Research Institute aims to learn more about the disease's pathophysiology to assist in the development of novel therapeutic targets. His extensive experience in ALS research will be of great value.
Tammy Moore
As President of Temerity Inc., Moore helps companies solve business challenges through management expertise and private equity investment. She has a solid foundation in demanding entrepreneurial environments requiring diverse skills in strategy, negotiations, communications, marketing and brand management. Moore's cousin was diagnosed with ALS five years ago. She has an intimate understanding of the need for research and the challenges associated with ALS.
Melanie York
Melanie York has devoted herself to the education and entertainment of youth. As executive producer for Corus Entertainment at YTV, Melanie produced award-winning anti-bullying campaigns, half-hour specials with UNICEF documenting the rights of the child, and multi-platform interactive programming for youth. York was diagnosed with ALS in 2008. Since then, her need to communicate, create and contribute has not wavered. She currently chairs the ALS support group at Sunnybrook Hospital.
About the board of directors
ALS Canada's board of directors provides vital guidance to the organization. In 2012, the transition board successfully reconstructed the old model of two organizations in Ontario to build an entirely new and cohesive organization. Genevieve Bertrand, Graeme Imrie, Lanny McInnes, Michael Gardner, Pierre Thibodeau and Heather Durham will continue to serve on the board. In addition, Cathy Martin, co-chair of the Federation Council, and Nigel Van Loan, chair of the Client Services Council, will continue to sit. Together the board works with a spirit of cooperation, care, compassion, collaboration, controls and a Canada-wide focus to achieve a stronger, integrated organization.
SOURCE: ALS Canada
Nic Canning
Smithcom
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